Gratitude Geek: Business Education for Gen X Women Solopreneurs
Kandas Rodarte | Business Growth Strategies for Women Over 40
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302: Marketing With Meaning for Gen X Women Solopreneurs | Leslie Smith
When does values-based marketing stop feeling meaningful and start feeling performative? In episode 302 of Gratitude Geek, Kandas Rodarte talks with marketing and public relations veteran Leslie Smith about how solopreneurs can market with meaning without slipping into optics-driven or shallow campaigns. They explore why alignment matters more than visibility, how storytelling builds trust, and what small business owners can realistically do to support causes they care about. This episode is especially relevant for Gen X women solopreneurs who want their marketing to reflect their values, strengthen relationships, and support sustainable business growth in 2026 and beyond. Topics covered include: – What makes values-based marketing feel authentic versus fake – Why awareness alone isn’t enough – How alignment builds long-term trust – Practical ways solopreneurs can participate in meaningful marketing – Why press releases and blogging still matter 🔗 Show notes and resources: https://kandasrodarte.com/302 Chapters: 00:00 When values-based marketing feels off 03:22 What values-based marketing actually means 04:43 Authenticity versus performative marketing 09:21 Audience alignment and shared values 10:52 Why storytelling builds trust 13:25 Community impact and collaboration 15:54 Built-in opportunities for meaningful marketing 19:35 Practical strategies for solopreneurs 24:54 Press releases and blogging still matter 35:01 Closing gratitude and final thoughts Gratitude Geek is the business education podcast for Gen X women solopreneurs who weave gratitude and appreciation into their business strategy. Hosted by metastatic breast cancer thriver, Kandas Rodarte, who co-creates spaces, opportunities, and conversations for women business owners. Subscribe to weekly emails: https://kandasrodarte.com/subscribeJoin the Co-Lab: https://kandasrodarte.com/labGratitude Geek is a member of Marketing Podcasts Network. For network wide advertising options visit: https://marketingpodcasts.net/advertise Want to be a guest on Gratitude Geek? Send Kandas Rodarte a message on PodMatch here: https://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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